No Longer A Solo Act, Faldo Charms Crowd

Finds His Touch In Opening 70

June 14, 2002|By TOM YANTZ; Courant Staff Writer

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. — Nick Faldo wore an ``I Love New York'' hat Thursday at Bethpage State Park. And the vocal throng that followed him encouraged and cheered him on during his even-par 70 in the first round of the U.S. Open.

``The crowd was amazing,'' he said. ``I heard all kind of comments. The best one, I don't think it was said [Thursday], but it was, `You were great in Star Wars.' That was quite clever.''

And quite understandable, because Faldo looks very much like actor Harrison Ford, who portrayed Han Solo in the first three Star Wars movies.

Faldo performed well Thursday on an imposing stage, the Black Course -- all 7,214 yards of it. He had three birdies and three bogeys and was one of six players tied for seventh, three shots behind leader Tiger Woods.

``Solid round, it was great,'' Faldo said.

The USGA had to be pleased, too. It granted Faldo a special exemption to play in his 60th consecutive major.

The only player with a longer major run is Jack Nicklaus, who played 118 in a row.

After his final practice round Wednesday, Faldo said, ``I'm very grateful to be given an invite and to keep my run going. This is my reward; you have to come and play this course. Great, eh?''

But guess what? The Black Course didn't defeat Faldo.

And the crowd loved it.

The roars began with a birdie on his first hole, the 492-yard 10th. To hear such a reaction from the predominantly American crowd was atypical. Fans in the U.S. finally have embraced him.

Remember the 1988 U.S. Open, when Curtis Strange defeated Faldo in an 18-hole playoff. Faldo responded to inquiries and autograph requests curtly and with sometimes sarcastic answers.

Faldo's swing in the late 1980s and early 1990s was envied by many. So, too, was his game as he won three Masters and three British Opens.

But Faldo, 44, hasn't won a tournament since the 1997 Nissan Open.

This year he plays most of the time on the European Tour. In his only two previous tournaments on the PGA Tour, he finished tied for 49th in The Players Championship and tied for 14th in the Masters.

He wouldn't say after the first round of the U.S. Open if he was convinced he could win again in the U.S.

``All I want to do is bear down and keep on playing well,'' he said.

There was a noticeable twinkle in his left eye.

His round had supplied him with confidence and satisfaction. And the New York fans enjoyed it. He hit 11 of 14 fairways. Though his drives often were 50 yards behind those of John Daly, one of his playing partners, he wasn't bothered. He continued to grind and make pars.